Miles visits with fans

LSU fans weren't sure what to make of Athletic Director Skip Bertman's decision to hire Les Miles as the Tigers' head football coach in January.

But, Miles won over fans with his charm and wit during the Tiger Athletic Foundation tour of the state in May.

"I wouldn't say I was disappointed, but concerned," LSU fan Fred King said. "I'm optimistic for the season."

For the second time in a month, Miles was back in Shreveport-Bossier City speaking with fans. This time, he visited the Caddo-Bossier LSU Alumni and Fans Association at East Ridge Country Club on Wednesday.

"I enjoy getting around and meeting people and frankly, I want them to see the coach and I've enjoyed it," Miles said. "We were here recruiting in the spring. This will be our second trip here in the caravan. It's awfully important. This is a tremendous recruiting area and obviously a very loyal Tiger fan base. We'll get up here regularly."

He had a lot to overcome for many LSU fans, who were wondering who he was when Bertman announced him as LSU's 32nd head coach.

"Originally, I was a little disappointed," fan Stephen Fortson said about Miles taking over for Nick Saban, who delivered a national championship to Baton Rouge.

"But, now he's put together a good recruiting class and the staff he has is great."

Saban didn't leave Miles without some talent. The Sporting News ranked LSU No. 6 in the country in its preseason poll; Athlon Sports magazine ranked the Tigers No. 9 in its preseason publication.

Athlon Sports picked the Tigers to win the SEC West too.

"The understanding is that we want to be the champions period, but we have not earned anything," Miles said.

"Basically, rankings and articles about where we should finish, they haven't appointed us in any position. We have to earn it and we look forward to the challenge."

One of the biggest questions on every LSU fan's mind is the quarterback situation and whether or not Miles has made a decision between JaMarcus Russell, Matt Flynn or incoming freshman Ryan Perrilloux.

"The decision is to let them compete and find out who will be the best quarterback," Miles said. "Certainly we're talented there. JaMarcus Russell, Matt Flynn and Ryan Perrilloux will all see snaps in two-a-days."

Still there are some fans who wouldn't want to be in Miles' spot, trying to replace a coach who brought the Tigers their first national championship since 1958.

"He's got fantastic players, but I would hate to follow someone who just won a national championship," said Larry Higdon, the association's membership chairman.

"This team really could win a national championship. That's a lot of pressure. Saban left him a top-five team."

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Miles visits with fans

LSU fans weren't sure what to make of Athletic Director Skip Bertman's decision to hire Les Miles as the Tigers' head football coach in January.